The SP4SE project partners, led by Confprofessioni, have finalised the working group report, a document that summarises the key recommendations emerging from the discussion and analysis activities conducted during the project. The work focused on the social protection needs of self-employed workers and professionals, a topic that has become central in light of the critical issues that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. The recommendations are divided into three priority thematic areas: Support during health emergencies, with proposals for administrative simplification, payment moratoria, income support and mental health protection; Supplementary healthcare, focusing on accessibility, flexible insurance models, mental well-being and social …

The SP4SE (Social Protection for Self-Employed) project investigates social protection frameworks for self-employed individuals across EU Member States, particularly focusing on Professional Self-Employed (PSE)workers. It builds upon the European Pillar of Social Rights (2017) and the 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection, emphasising the role of social partners in shaping effective systems. The study highlights the fragmented and unequal protection for PSEs across the EU, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic vulnerabilities. The second phase of the project analyses seven diverse EU countries—Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, and Romania—to assess the real-world conditions of PSE workers …

The traditional model of full-time employment is increasingly being replaced by professional self-employment (PSE), encompassing independent, often intellectual, workers including freelancers, seasonal, and on-demand workers. These workers face diverse conditions influenced by factors such as age, gender, and region, and are impacted by digital gig platforms and entrepreneurial ventures. Despite their economic importance, PSEs often lack adequate social protection, facing barriers such as non-compulsory coverage and restrictive eligibility criteria. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of these workers, prompting temporary boosts in support but exposing long-standing gaps. Many countries show uneven regulation, especially for newer forms of self-employment that remain …

MFPA held a very fruitful meeting with the Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations, Hon Julia Farrugia Portelli on 15 June 2023. The small delegation included MFPA’s President Mr James Licari, CEO Ms Norma Camilleri and the General Secretary Ms Marcelle Abela. MFPA highlighted its mission and objectives as well as the various projects it carried out, particularly in recent years. The delegation also pointed out the sterling work that all of its 17 member organisations carry out and their contribution towards a better society. Hon Farrugia Portelli expressed her gratitude for the work that MFPA and voluntary organisations carry …

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations, MFPA, recently held elections for its Executive Committee (EC). Mr James Licari, from the Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers, was elected as the new President, after having served for two years as Vice-President Membership. Prof Ruth Falzon, Malta Association for the Counselling Profession, and Mr Demis Cachia, Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, were confirmed as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Ms Kerry Hermitage, Maltese Association of Social Workers, was elected as the new Vice President Membership while Ms Daniela Vassallo, Association of Speech-Language Pathologists, was elected as the new Vice President Administration. MFPA …

On 28 March 2023, a delegation of eight representatives of MPFA attended the concluding conference of the EU-funded project Mutuus, which concerned social protection schemes for self-employed professionals. MFPA partnered with Confprofessioni, the Italian Federation of Professional Associations, which was the leader on this two-year long project. This conference was held at the European Parliament in Brussels and the MFPA delegation included members of the Executive Committee as well as representatives from some member organisations: Mr Ben Rizzo – President Mr James Licari – Vice-President Membership Ing Saviour Baldacchino – Vice-President Administration Mr Demis Cachia – Treasurer Ms Maryanne Ciappara …